In an op-ed published Saturday, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris reminisced about her childhood visits to India and her mother’s dedication to curing cancer. Writing for “The Jaggernaut”, a South Asian online publication, Harris emphasized the importance of her heritage and the lessons learned from her family.
Harris recalled how her mother, Shyamala Harris, traveled alone from India to the United States when she was just 19, with aspirations to raise her daughters and combat breast cancer. “Growing up, my mother instilled in my sister and me a deep appreciation for our roots,” she noted. The Harris family celebrated Diwali together in India, fostering connections with grandparents and extended family members.
As Vice President, Harris has continued the tradition by hosting Diwali celebrations at the Vice President’s Residence, highlighting the rich culture and history of the South Asian American community. She drew inspiration from her grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, a retired civil servant, who taught her about the significance of democracy and civil rights during their walks on the beach in Madras.
Harris asserted her commitment to representing all Americans, stating that her career has been dedicated to public service. She addressed pressing issues facing the South Asian American community, including healthcare access. “I worked with President Joe Biden to cap insulin prices for seniors at $35 and will continue to protect the Affordable Care Act while expanding Medicare,” she said, sharing her personal experiences caring for her mother during her illness.
Regarding immigration, Harris emphasized the need for a balanced approach that secures borders while ensuring a humane immigration system. She expressed her support for a bipartisan border security bill aimed at reducing illegal crossings and safeguarding South Asian lives.
Harris also highlighted the importance of America’s global role, stating her commitment to strengthening international partnerships, particularly with South Asian nations like India. She criticized former President Donald Trump, arguing that his return to the White House would have severe consequences for Social Security, Medicare, and the economy. Harris warned that his policies could impose substantial financial burdens on American families.
The op-ed comes just days before the November 5th general elections, reinforcing Harris’s focus on healthcare, immigration, and international relations as key issues in her presidential campaign.